Based in a Tudor Gatehouse on the site of the London Priory of the Order of St John, the Museum tells the story of an ancient religious military Order, from its origins caring for sick pilgrims in Jerusalem, through to its modern-day role with St John Ambulance.
Based in a Tudor Gatehouse on the site of the London Priory of the Order of St John, the Museum tells the story of an ancient religious military Order, from its origins caring for sick pilgrims in Jerusalem, through to its modern-day role with St John Ambulance.
Based in a Tudor Gatehouse on the site of the London Priory of the Order of St John, the Museum tells the story of an ancient religious military Order, from its origins caring for sick pilgrims in Jerusalem, through to its modern-day role with St John Ambulance.
Based in a Tudor Gatehouse on the site of the London Priory of the Order of St John, the Museum tells the story of an ancient religious military Order, from its origins caring for sick pilgrims in Jerusalem, through to its modern-day role with St John Ambulance.
Based in a Tudor Gatehouse on the site of the London Priory of the Order of St John, the Museum tells the story of an ancient religious military Order, from its origins caring for sick pilgrims in Jerusalem, through to its modern-day role with St John Ambulance
The site of the Priory of the Order of St John has a rich and varied history. It was built in 1144 in Clerkenwell and established as the headquarters of the Order in England. It was a vast and prosperous community which enjoyed close relationships with kings and queens throughout the middle ages. In 1540, Henry VIII dissolved all monasteries across the nation and the Priory of the Order of St John was seized.
Across the years that followed, the priory buildings became a thriving part of London life, even providing offices for the Master of the Revels who oversaw the licensing of thirty of Shakespeare’s plays. From a coffee shop to a pub and magazine printing house in between, St John’s Gate has been a meeting place for creative minds for centuries, with visitors including William Hogarth, Dr Samuel Johnson and Charles Dickens.
The modern Order of St John in England was granted a Royal Charter by Queen Victoria in 1888. Humanitarian in its aims and purpose, the modern Order introduced public first aid and ambulance transport services to a newly industrialised England. Today, St John Ambulance works in the heart of communities to preserve and protect life through volunteering for health and first aid.
For over 100 years the Museum has welcomed visitors and today our learning programme continues to inspire school groups through exploration of this unique site and hands-one engagement with our collection of over 60,000 objects. We offer dynamic workshops for key stages 1-4 which support and enhance students’ skills development across subjects including History, English, Citizenship, Maths and Science.
